Southern Tier Brewing Company Creme Brulee

What the brewers say

“How, you may ask, would a brewery determine a likeness to hard-coated custard? Our response is simple: it’s all in the power of history, and of course, the extra finesse needed to top off a contentious treat with definition. It was the French Crème Brûlée that survived to represent our deliciously creamy brew!”

What our panel thought

Aroma: “Huge vanilla, like a big vanilla candle dipped in white chocolate, standing in a cream soda shower. Lots of coconut, Cheerios, and even strawberry ice cream. A hint of honeydew melon, but no hint of chocolate or roast under the massive fruity nose.”

Flavor: “Lots of strawberry and cherry with a bit of honeydew, but the vanilla takes center stage, pushing any reasonable limit. It’s like Neapolitan ice cream. Chocolate and roast surface in the aftertaste. The body is sweet and creamy but isn’t cloying, and it finishes dry with a bit of astringency.”

Overall: “What a trip—there’s just enough roast present to make it taste like a stout, but the fruity esters and vanilla are crazy. It’s clearly a dessert beer, meant to be drunk in small pours and shared with friends.”